What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

Question

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

That's actually been a problem for some time. I had years of physical and mental abuse, and add to being a light sleeper (or I became a light sleeper out of self preservation), getting good sleep is really difficult for me.

Up until recently, I had gotten into the habit of reading EBooks. You didn't have to have an awkward weird light that was either too dim or too bright, you could store a lot of books in a small device, etc. But, "experts" say this is horrible for your sleep, as the light supposedly tricks your brain into staying awake.

So I'm trying to get back into reading traditional books, and finding a dimmer light. I am in bed usually by 10 or 11, but often remain awake until like 3 or 4am.

I WAS on sleep medication, but taken off. Even then, it seemed like my brain had gotten used to it, and it'd still take forever to fall asleep (but the good part was that if I did wake up unexpectedly, I could go back to sleep much easier than normal as opposed to once I'm up, I'm up).

Right now, I take Melatonin, and taking it earlier - which helps a tiny bit - and just started on a low dosage of Magnesium.

I've tried light music or "white noise" - with some minor success. Warm milk, minor hypnosis, meditation or mindfulness apps haven't really helped make a noticable change. Showers are not always an option, and they haven't worked. No caffeine teas haven't done much, either.

I have some health problems in the last year which probably keep me awake more often, so I can't say these things would or wouldn't "do it" for me if I was perfectly healthy. No CURE per se, but they all help contribute to general improvements to sleep, but a lot of days, it's still just horrible horrible sleep. Overall, the average is about 4-6 hours now, occasionally hitting that seven hour mark (according to my phone). I'll take it over 2-3, though

I am still waiting for the go ahead on getting back onto the medication.

Sonorous · Accepted Answer

I (not in order):
• try to get my room & body temperature as cool as they can be
• eat something with magnesium in it before bed
• make sure that I eat something slow digesting be
• Listen to something relaxing like asmr
• Orgasm so that my body can release relaxing chemicals before bed
• really up the carbs if I want a near guaranteed good night of sleep if the conditions are right

Here's a video that might be helpful to you though:

el_Te_de_la_Rosa · Accepted Answer

- Having a cup of chamomile tea.

- Reading text books, prep test is the best.

- Weight lifting and not take a nap during the day. (Impossible for me.)

- Listening to something like Deep Sleep music. (It should be downloaded and turn on your airplane mode.)

- Trying not to sleep.

sage2021 · Accepted Answer

Lately when I'm having trouble sleeping, I get a nice cold washcloth - folded twice and put it over my eyes. For some reason it works. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Massageman · Answer

I stop trying SO hard to fall asleep- and then I do.

Levin · Answer

To me sleep is about habits and lifestyle. Organising your day appropriately. ie being busy in the day and early morning, and then winding down in the evening with more relaxing activities ie book reading or meditation. Making sure you're sufficiently busy throughout the day to induce tiredness in the evening. Walking throughout the day is important, as is exercise. This helps with digestion and helps tire you. Avoid screentime in the last few hours of the day. Keep it less bright in the house so your body thinks that it's time for sleep. Care with your eating habits, ie eat more early on in the day. Try not to eat so much late into evening. At least 3 hours before bed do not eat if you can. Try and avoid overly fatty or overstimulating foods or drinks in the evening. That includes teas or coffees. Most of it may be due to overthinking though. This is where you need to discover the source of your excessive thoughts and a lack of a sense that everything is going to be okay.

Vermillion30 · Answer

As a Few others have said Routine and Sleep habits, I limit “Heavy/Acidic” Foods after 3pm, don’t eat before bed, work out every day, normally a walk with my dog. Hydration hydration Hydration but not too much. Water during the day/Before bed can help with leg cramps/Restlessness but to much and you’re up every hour.

lastly organization. It’s hard but if Anxiety and plans keep you up. Planning your week/Month, Budgeting, Meal planning, Dates. An knowing what to do when surprises come up can help.

Breanna_nonbinary · Answer

I listen to a tv show that I have watched a million times. It prevent my mind from thinking and generally I’m asleep in 5 minutes. Basically it stops me from thinking about things that lead me to a dark place in my head and focus my attention on something that I know is mundane.

stark04 · Answer

I do Read books. Nothing else.

Have only one option what should you do when you can't sleep. Having many options may distract you so you do one thing and one thing only. It can be reading books, watching movies or TV shows or YouTube videos or porn, listening to music or podcasts or audiobooks or radio, do something productive or anything else you like to do. Never do anything random. Exhaust yourself doing the designated task alloted when you can't sleep.

itsclearlynicholas · Answer

I'd cut back on sugars and coffees and too much food before bed. Lol if it were me. Plain water. And just I usually am an easy sleeper. I love sleep. And by choice sometimes I am bad and stay up late. Yet I'm grateful I always manage to get back to my routine and recover after a sleep in or three lol 😂😆

petitedollbabee · Answer

I listen to YouTube videos from a channel called Sleeping Vibrations. Their videos usually make me drift off to sleep.  If that doesn’t do the trick, then I masturbate until I’m exhausted.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

I drink water and do happiness meditation if I have trouble sleeping. My happiness meditation might involve thinking about a cute dog or a cute baby or a sweet friend or a sweet romantic partner.

AviatorTom · Answer

I generally don't have problems sleeping. Occasionally, I may be too wound up to go to sleep. In that case, I have a Biel if my favorite cereal, with milk. It calms me down, a d the sugar content usually gets me to sleep in a few minutes.

AaronKrieger · Answer

Continue trying to sleep for at least two hours and stay committed to it. If you are awake still, then you might as well just do whatever till you feel tired.

laly520 · Answer

either cuddle with my cats or make sth warm to drink

MemeSupreme · Answer

good ol' water

IslaTheWitch · Answer

music and book

Nikki1989 · Answer

I listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

Simslover92 · Answer

If I'm with my boyfriend and we're both not tired then it's the horizontal mambo for us but if I'm alone then it's listening to music.

JacobJordan · Answer

Keep my breathing slow and even and endeavor to keep my mind empty until I fall asleep

Huntingnfishin · Answer

Drink whisky and read a book. Helps calm me and think other thoughts

sofili0405 · Answer

I like watching YouTube AMSR vids-ik some find them weird lol. My fav channel is ASMR Twix. Super relaxing vids and I always drift off in 5 mins.

redamancyy · Answer

I turn on a piano sound on my phone, make sure to be in a dark room, and dream, meanwhile I usually take melatonin to sleep.

Alex-Snow · Answer

I'll get up and take a hot shower and usually masturbate a few times before, during or after it. Works every time

The_Canddyman · Answer

Be more productive during the day. People often stay awake because even if the body is tired if the mind isn't, Good Luck. Woken up at 2 or 3 am a few times just to plan stuff out.

SotiCoto · Answer

Stay awake until I don't have trouble sleeping any more.

deus_ex_sisyphus · Answer

go to bed fatigued and you'll never have to worry about it

strateguy632 · Answer

i think about past dreams to return in.

mandyfire98 · Answer

Usually asmr on YouTube

sheikalana · Answer

I stay in bed until I fall asleep.

David94358 · Answer

Easy fix if you are a guy

_no_one_ · Answer

I just bust a nut and i am zzzzzz

Account · Answer

Like now? 3 am here listening to music

KittygosMeoWW · Answer

Lately I just read

BobbieBoy666 · Answer

Lay in bed and watch t. v.

Rangers · Answer

I drink a bunch, and it will make me fall asleep

12karen · Answer

Watch series

LavLavLuv · Answer

Watch youtube

underling · Answer

Scroll through my phone

jahaims · Answer

Not sleep

JayBones · Answer

Kill homeless people

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